PF defends President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu

The ruling PF is dismayed by the UN human rights experts to criticize President Edgar Lungu for pardoning Clifford Dimba who was convicted of the rape and his appointment as an ambassador in the fight against gender violence.

PF Media Committee and Publicity Vice Chairman Sunday Chanda in a statement says it is expected that international media should be above board in terms of their research and reporting.

Mr. Chanda has reminded Dubravka Šimonovi, UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, that such power to pardon is at the discretion of Presidents worldwide.

He has furthermore reminded Mr. Simonovi that President Lungu did not break any law to exercise the pardon.

He says it might interest Mr. Simonovi that pursuant to Article 59 (d) of the Constitution of Zambia, CAP 1 of the Laws of Zambia, President Lungu has pardoned 502 convicted prisoners on the occasion to commemorate Christmas Day.

He adds that Mr. Simonovi would be wise to know that Article 60 of the Zambian Constitution prescribes that there exists an advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy which consists of such persons as may be appointed by the President.

Meanwhile, the ruling party has disclosed that it is also aware that UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has retained a UK Consultancy doing media placements for him.

Mr. Chanda has accused the UPND Leader of being an international alarmist who prides in taking to international forums to discourage foreign investment into Zambia.